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Originally home to the caretaker and guards of the Palais de Justice, the Conciergerie was turned into a jail at the end of the 14th century. It took its place in history during the Revolution, when more than 4,000 citizens (including Marie-Antoinette) were held prisoner here, half of whom were guillotined. It remained a prison until 1914.

The final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte is the beautiful Dôme Church in the Hôtel des Invalides complex – an elaborate monument to French Classical style. Built as the chapel for the resident soldiers of the Invalides, its ornate high altar is in stark contrast to the solemn marble chapels surrounding the crypt, which hold the tombs of French military leaders. Its golden dome can be seen for miles around (see Hôtel des Invalides).

Built in the late 19th century, this elaborate synagogue is the second-largest in Europe. Its façade design represents the Tablets though, sadly, the building is not open to the public. Other smaller synagogues can be found in the Marais, which has a large Jewish community, including one at 10 rue Pavée, built in 1913 by Hector Guimard, the architect who designed the city’s Art Nouveau metro stations.

Built in 1656–9 for Aubert de Fontenay, a salt-tax collector, this mansion was restored in 1986 to provide a home for the Musée Picasso.

The young Mozart performed at this 17th-century mansion. Notice the balcony decorated with goats’ heads.

Built in 1732 by Jean Sylvain Cartaud, this mansion has housed the Italian Embassy since 1938.

This mansion houses the Ministry of Defence, so no photos are allowed. Napoleon’s mother lived here from 1806–17.

This mansion boasts beautiful early 18th-century architecture, although the right wing dates from the early 1600s.

This attractive mansion was built in 1739 with Classical styling. It is now the Italian Institute.